:: Two Weeks Notice

Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) is a Harvard educated, socially conscious attorney hell-bent on using her knowledge for good, not evil. Having spent time with the Rainbow Warriors, this bohemian is determined to stand up and fight for the little people. Whether it's grass roots legal aid or rallying
against some other cause, Lucy is an activist lawyer who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Meet George Wade (Hugh Grant), a charismatic millionaire who, alongside his brother Howard (David Haig), heads the Wade Corporation, one of New York's leading real estate development companies. Self-absorbed
and utterly irresponsible, George has a bad history of sleeping with the attractive female attorneys he hires to serve as Chief Counsel. Filthy rich, George leads a free and easy lifestyle, very much caught up in the workings of the corporate world.

When Howard fires yet another ditzy Chief Counsel, George is on the lookout. Warned by his brother that the new attorney must have esteemed credentials, George can't believe his luck when Lucy lobbies him on the street over the redevelopment of her neighbourhood community centre. Before
she knows it, she's hired and the two embark on a partnership unlike any other.

Set in New York City, Two Weeks Notice is a classic romantic comedy embedded in a contemporary context. The battle between big business and little people is a highly evident theme throughout the film as Lucy and George struggle to understand each other despite the love they share. This theme, however, is only dealt with superficially; designed as more of an apt backdrop than anything that actually contains a message. What an idea: a romantic comedy involving a female greenie and a commercially-minded male pig. No one's done that before!!

The film does, nonetheless, contain some rather funny moments with Hugh and Sandra having a very credible screen presence. There is a dynamic between the two actors which is unmistakable to the audience, yet this probably due more to their extensive experience within the romantic comedy genre than anything chemical. Unfortunately, Grant plays yet another perpetually confused character unable to manage his life and emotions- a part with which audiences have been well and truly acquainted. Bullock, on the other hand, seems to have gone beyond her usual repertoire with the role of Lucy Kelson: smart, sassy, confident and essentially down-to earth.

While nothing groundbreaking as a love story, Two Weeks Notice does exemplify the maturing nature of romantic comedies as writers and producers learn that audiences want more than just the ‘boy meets girl’ formula in their movie fodder.

Screening on general release including Rivoli Cinemas and Cinema Europa